George Russell has revealed he by no means thought his Method 1 seat at Mercedes was underneath menace for subsequent 12 months, claiming “it was extra of a query” of who his team-mate could be.
The 27-year-old's contract expires on the finish of the 2025 marketing campaign similar to that of his rookie team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, resulting in hypothesis both of them could possibly be changed by Max Verstappen.
However that hypothesis ended when the four-time world champion confirmed final month that he'll keep at Purple Bull, which means Russell and Antonelli are actually anticipated to stay with Mercedes.
There was speak that Verstappen might accomplice Antonelli, regardless of the 19-year-old having a tricky season in comparison with Russell who has been one of many standout performers – evident by way of his Canada win and him being fourth within the championship.
So, when requested forward of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix if he ever believed his Mercedes future was unsure, Russell mentioned: “No, in no way, to be trustworthy. It was extra of a query of who my team-mate was going to be.
“I believe I am fairly rational to how this sport works, and the staff felt like they did not have to signal a deal.
George Russell, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Purple Bull Racing
Photograph by: Timothy A. Clary / AFP by way of Getty Photographs
“I did not actually really feel I wanted to push it a lot when it obtained to a sure level. I consider in myself greater than ever.
“I've at all times believed in myself, and my outcomes have at all times proven that. It isn't simply the type of this 12 months, however by way of my complete profession because the age of 10 years outdated. So, yeah, for those who again your self and for those who carry out, you may by no means have something to fret about.”
The entire hypothesis was began by Russell forward of June's Canadian Grand Prix, when he claimed Verstappen “has at all times been on the radar” for Mercedes.
At Zandvoort, Russell was requested if he began the saga intentionally, however he denied that was the case claiming “I didn't suppose it was a secret” that Mercedes was taken with Verstappen.
“Possibly it was a… What is the phrase? Like, an unkept secret, however I did not realise it wasn't widespread data,” added Russell.
The four-time grand prix winner is but to signal a contract extension, however Russell and Mercedes are in no rush having simply returned from the annual F1 summer season break.
“We're in constructive talks for the time being,” mentioned Russell, who beforehand confirmed nothing was going to occur in August.
George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photographs
“As I mentioned, nothing was going to occur in the course of the summer season break, as a result of from each of our sides there was no purpose for it to occur, as a result of we wished to finally benefit from the brief time we had off, however issues are shifting in the appropriate path.
“So, yeah, hopefully sooner or later, however as I mentioned earlier than the break, we'd like to ensure it is proper and there is no time strain from my facet, there isn't any time strain from the staff's facet, so it could take longer than ordinarily, however there isn't any purpose for you guys to learn any extra into that than the truth.
“It is simply juggling quite a lot of priorities between contract efficiency, growth of 2026, sponsorship occasions, and getting again in form training-wise, after which in fact doing the contract. It isn't just like the world stops simply to kind it.”
Russell confirmed “my purpose is to win with Mercedes, it is clear as that”, however it's not but identified if that may translate right into a multi-year contract extension, or one which simply covers the 2026 marketing campaign.
Subsequent 12 months will witness the introduction of widespread regulation modifications, which means the pecking order is at the moment unknown, and that's taking part in a component within the contract negotiations.
“You have to take a look at what could be useful for you, but in addition what the dangers are,” mentioned Russell, who joined Mercedes as a junior driver.
“So, you have to play that risk-reward state of affairs. I'm loyal to Mercedes, as a result of we have supported each other a lot over these years, and as I mentioned, I wish to win with Mercedes, however all the pieces must be proper and all the pieces must be aligned.
“So, whether or not which means it is a one-year, whether or not which means it is multi-year, that is type of what we're within the technique of discussing now and going from there.”
On this article
Be the primary to know and subscribe for real-time information e-mail updates on these matters
